Abandoned building fire extinguished in Phoenixville

PHOENIXVILLE — A fire at an abandoned building on the 500 block of Bridge Street was quickly extinguished by several area fire companies Friday afternoon.

Chief Jim Gable, of the Phoenixville Fire Department, said the fire was put out in an abandoned residence, but was unsure of other details regarding the call that came in around 4 p.m.

By 4:40, the fire was completely extinguished and trucks were rolling out.

A source said the fire was discovered and called in by the Phoenixville Police Department.

The building where the fire occurred was down a driveway hidden by trees set off and downhill from Bridge Street.

Several area fire companies responded to the fire. In addition to the Phoenixville Fire Department, Valley Forge, Black Rock and Kimberton Fire Companies, as well as West End Ambulance, responded.

Fire police had to close Bridge Street heading out of town around its 400 block, though limited traffic heading downtown was allowed through. The entire 500 block of Bridge Street was closed down for fire apparatus.

The fire companies had a quick turnaround following the fire call, as Phoenixville’s First Friday was set to feature most, if not all, of the companies that responded. The event served as a kickoff to National Fire Prevention Week.

Additionally, the Phoenixville Fire Department was set to feature prominently in the lighting ceremony on Bridge Street for Phoenixville’s Paint the Town Pink For Pete’s Sake campaign for cancer awareness set to continue through October.